Terracotta Pots That Sizzle - Best Full‑Sun Plants for UK Summers
At Tom’s Yard, we understand the challenges of maintaining vibrant container displays during the UK's hot, dry spells. That's why we've curated a selection of drought-tolerant plants that not only thrive in terracotta pots but also add beauty and resilience to your outdoor spaces.
Top Drought-Tolerant Plants for Full-Sun Terracotta Pots
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
This has to top the charts! An absolutely classic choice, lavender's fragrant purple blooms and silvery foliage make it a standout in any garden. It's well-suited for dry conditions and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies - More on that in this article. Regular pruning after flowering ensures a compact and healthy plant and keeps it looking divine.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Don’t tell the other herbs but rosemary has to be one of our favourites (if not the favourite). This aromatic herb thrives in sunny, well-drained soils. Its leaves and delicate flowers add texture and fragrance to your pots and not only that rosemary is also a culinary delight, perfect for seasoning dishes.
Agapanthus (African Lily)
Possibly a controversial pot choice but as long as you’re not planting in a ‘bulbous’ pot and you repot, you won’t be facing a pot bound plant. Agapanthus offers striking blue or white flowers that bloom in summer. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it ideal for terracotta pots. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance.
Verbena bonariensis
We all love, love,love Verbena, or Verby-B as the cool kids call it. This tall, slender plant produces clusters of small purple flowers that attract pollinators, is drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny spots, adding height and movement to your container displays.
Petunias
Our beloved bedding plant. We love petunias because they come in a variety of vibrant colors, and are just perfect for adding a splash of color to your pots. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them suitable for dry conditions.
Ornamental Grasses (e.g., Stipa tenuissima)
A truly understated plant for your garden but a must-have in these current climates. Grasses like Stipa add texture and movement to your containers. They're drought-tolerant (of course) and thrive in sunny, well-drained conditions. Their feathery plumes create a soft, natural look and are just a joy to have in the garden.
Salvia
Oooo we love Salvia! Species, such as Salvia nemorosa, offer spikes of blue, purple or red flowers, they make the perfect companion plants to roses and like those plants listed above are drought tolerant and pollinators love them just as much as we do!
Tips for Thriving Terracotta Displays
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Choose the Right Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-free compost mixed with grit to ensure proper drainage.
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Water Wisely: Water deeply during cooler parts of the day, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Regular Feeding: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to nourish your plants throughout the growing season.
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Proper Placement: Position your pots where they receive ample sunlight and are protected from strong winds.
By selecting these drought-tolerant plants and following our care tips, you can create stunning, low-maintenance container displays that thrive even during the hottest UK summers. Visit us at Tom’s Yard for a wide selection of terracotta pots to suit any garden and any plants
